IN LOVE.  I am simply in love with this wedding and am not going to lie… I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time swooooning over these gorgeous images while putting together this post.  I’m kind of obsessed with the rustic country look, yet ‘fancy’ feel, they achieved.  And the pups and horses at the reception?!  Um, cuteness overload!  The wedding took place at a family property… a lovely, lovely estate complete with incredible barns and mountain views.  It was such a DELIGHT working with Emily on their papers— from the save-the-dates to the menu cards at their reception.  It’s always a treat designing custom pieces for our clients— but, she in particular, brought such thoughtfulness to the entire process.  Emily and Chris were looking for stationery that highlighted aspects of their big day, but also elements that were truly meaningful to them.   Her horse, Robbie, who has been with her since she was 10(!), was featured on the save-the-date cards.  So sweet.  And  their invite set captured the view from the ceremony spot, with green ski trails visible on the mountain backdrop.   Adirondack chairs were placed beside a charming stone wall from the grounds that Chris, a landscape architect,  re-built especially for their big day(!!)  Amazing, right?  Set subtly within the stones was the number ’23′…not only their wedding date, but a number with much significance to them— trust me, some cool coincidences there!  Illustrated horseshoes appeared on the reply, outer envelope and menu card, unifying the set while giving it a traditional, sophisticated look.  This project was one that really made me feel ‘a part of things’.  It was an honor to play a role in this beautiful, special day.

So sit back and enjoy— there’s a lot of pretty to soak in!

Congratulations E & C!

Wedding Photography: Orchard Cove Photography

Flowers: Art of Nature / Bride’s Dress: Melissa Sweet  (Priscilla of Boston)  / Bridesmaid’s Dresses : J.Crew / Hair &  Make-up: Hair Daze  / Caterer: Lake Sunapee Country Club / Band: The Pulse of Boston / Tent: Lakes Region Tent / Ceremony Musicians: Putnam-Pirozzoli Guitar Duo / Officiant: Reverend Richard Dutton

As the seasons change from Summer to Fall, I’m reminded of that rustic look— and how much I adore it!  One of my all time favorite collections was created for a photo shoot this past Spring, for WellWed Magazine.  The inclusion of thin twigs, quirky ferns and tiny mushrooms, really gives a hearty feel to this suite.  The table decor was so wonderfully earthy in tone and texture— and get a look at the (vegetable) bouquet!  Literally, one of the most unique and exquisite arrangements I’ve seen!  I always enjoy collaborating for shoots with other wedding professionals, and when they bring such imaginative and lovely work to the table, it’s such a treat to be a part of!

Photography: Brea McDonald

Floral/Design: Dawn Kelly, Soiree Floral

Linens/Rentals: Placesetters

Cake: Jodi’s Cakes

In my book, not much can top a true New England wedding… and this event, last season, on Squirrel Island was just that.  The rocky shoreline, faded shingles and casual seaside character are more than appealing!  We were lucky to meet and work with Lyndsay and Zach– such a vibrant, hip and wonderful couple!  I felt an instant ‘click’ with them… and really enjoyed seeing their big plans come to life!  They so successfully mixed that coastal vibe with an elegant feel.  The combo. of his relaxed Nantucket Reds and boat shoes with the sophistication of her amazing dress (check out the gorgeous bottom and shoulder detail, btw!) and incredible bouquet really does the trick!  To sum up, charming, charming, charming!

The pair fell for our ‘Loving Lobsters’ save-the-date, and from there, we created a full paper suite…. incorporating numerous Maine-inspired illustrations, and of course, the polka dot trim!  Lyndsay and Zach had fun with their stationery, and were open to it having a laid-back, quirky feel.  Our end result was a bold collection of nautical-esque goodness—right up my alley!  Take a peek at their beautiful images below…

(Above photograph courtesy of Geneve Hoffman Photography)

Congratulations L & Z!

Wedding Photography: Tirado Photography

Flowers: Boothbay Region Greenhouse / Dress: Priscilla of Boston / Hair: Primp Salon (Kim McDonald) / Make-up: Friend of Bride, Kelsey McCormack /  Pastries & Desserts: Two Fat Cats Bakery / Caterer & Reception: Newagen Seaside Inn

Thought I’d share a few more images from our opening— Brea‘s photo booth was clearly well-received, ha!  It was sort of a blast to see our fellow vendors let loose… and the props didn’t hurt!  Prior to the opening, I’d actually never experienced the excitement of the photo booth… it’s kind of addicting, I have to say.  Enjoy the silliness below!

We’re all settled into our new studio — and LOVING it!  Let me just say, moving work spaces is quite an undertaking!  But our new location is a good one…. right in the heart of York Village.  Here’s a bit of the back story…

Griffin-vites had been searching for a new home for quite some time, and coincidentally, so had been our super talented colleague, Brea McDonald (Brea McDonald Photography).  When this spot became available, we jumped at the chance to share the square footage — and it has worked out wonderfully!  To celebrate our being ‘roomies’, we thought it best to throw a party!  Lots of wedding industry folks joined us for an evening of networking (well, laughing and chatter), eating ridiculously yummy treats by Blue Elephant Catering and, as you’ll see in our next post, taking silly photo booth photos!  Our studio even dressed up for the occasion, with gorgeous decor by Kate Martin of Beautiful Days.  We had the best time and want to thank everyone for making it out to party!  Your emails, well-wishes and sweet goodies were very much appreciated.  How lucky we are to work alongside such talented ladies and gentlemen!

One of my favorite elements to the wedding reception is table decor.  There are so many choices these days for linen, glassware, flatware and vessels– whether your look be formal, coastal, rustic, country…. bringing stationery to the place settings can be a lovely way to tie everything together.  We very often create menus for our clients (and yowza do they serve some yummy meals at their events!)  There are a variety of fun ways to display the cards (be creative!) and they can certainly make a statement on the tables!  Here’s a look at a few of our designs!

Photos: Brea McDonald Photography, Styling & Decor (above) Maine Seasons Events, Styling & Decor (below) Beautiful Days

There’s nothing better than receiving incredible images from past weddings, and these photos from last season’s Brooklyn Botanic Garden wedding are simply stunning!  This couple (Aaliyah and Erwin) still make me smile.  They’d found Griffin-vites through one of our past clients, a friend of theirs who married a few years back, and I’m so glad they did!  What fun I had with these two… designing their custom rose garden themed papers.  The studio created everything from save-the-date cards to thank you notes, working with A & E for over a year.  A sweeter bride you will not find (and the groom, well I just thought he was hilarious!)  Their wedding came together flawlessly; such attention paid to every detail.  I’m in awe of Aaliyah’s bouquet (ah-mazing, no?!) and the venue… it doesn’t get more lush and pretty than this!

(To start, here are some shots of their save-the-date and invite suite.  *Sample names have been substituted, as the images were shown publicly before the wedding date).

(Photos above courtesy of Brea McDonald Photography).  We were certainly not lacking inspiration when it came time to paint!  There were countless landscape and architectural elements calling out my name!  Aaliyah and Erwin really wanted the feel of the gardens to come through onto their papers… focusing on some key spots throughout the property.  So much character can be found within the small details… and their save-the-date card zoomed right in, depicting an iron entry gate to the park.  Pink roses cascaded in from the edges of it, as well as the papers to follow.  Their invitation centered around the Cranford Rose Garden (which houses the most incredible trellis structure), and their ceremony and reception pieces illustrated a water fountain, garden paths, an arbored entrance as well as some various stone elements found within the grounds…  But enough about the paper– now onto the eye candy!

Congratulations A & E!

Wedding Photography: Michael Simon Weddings

Flowers: Denise Fasanello Floral Design / Dress designer: Pnina Tornai / Reception: Brooklyn Botanic Garden

It’s that time of year!  Save-the-date orders are flying out the door around here like nobody’s business!  I always love working on custom illustrations… and this season, in particular, we’ve got some great designs in the works!  These cards play such an important role in the wedding stationery suite, giving guests a taste of what’s to come (along with the ‘who, what, when & where’ of the celebration!)  Some clients choose to maintain a consistent look throughout their paper process (mirroring the theme of their save-the-date when designing their invitation, etc.), while others choose to play it cool and casual in the beginning, only to get more formal with the invites.  Either way, it works–  always a nice reflection of our couples– and their big day!  Here’s a look at a few of our recent designs… such a variety!

Photography: Brea McDonald Photography

I was over the moon when I saw these photos from Brooke and Matt’s Nantucket wedding last season!  This couple was SUCH a pleasure to work with… a super sweet and thoughtful pair, with classic New England taste.  The Island is a special place for them, and Sconset proved to be just the spot for their ceremony and reception.  This area of Nantucket has a charm that’s tough to match, with its quaint rose cottages and crushed-shell pathways.  I literally cannot imagine a more beautiful backdrop for a keepsake portrait and am swooooning over the first shot below!

The wedding palette was one of combined softness and pops of color.  I enjoy the muted shades of the bride’s gorgeous bouquet in contrast to the bridesmaids’ colorful arrangements– a concept mirrored in the dress selection.  The decor of the day was executed beautifully; a top-notch early fall celebration!

Brooke and Matt wanted a paper suite that reflected the feel of their day and fit in with the look of the Island.  Anyone who’s been to Nantucket knows how prevalent the hydrangeas are– and the Nantucket baskets!  Incorporating our hydrangea illustrations in pale shades of blue and green worked well for their design… and the addition of our basket detail with simple topper allowed guests to have a true sense of the place when viewing the stationery.  (Image below: Brea McDonald Photography)

One of my most favorite items in this couple’s paper suite was a custom map card… a truly personalized creation!  Brooke and Matt loved the idea of giving their guests a fun, illustrated interpretation of the Island (included in the invitation envelopes).  We incorporated not only local landmarks, weekend hot spots and beaches, but brought in meaningful details, such as family homes, most-loved eateries and the much enjoyed pastime of sailing.  (Image below: Brea McDonald Photography)

Our studio created many paper elements for the wedding day!  Here’s a peek at just a few of the reception pieces…  alphabetized seating charts, table numbers, place cards and menus…

Congratulations B & M!

Wedding Photography: Zofia Photo

Flowers: Soiree Floral / Cake:  Jodi’s Cakes /  Bridal Hair: Darya Salon / Bridal Gown: Lea Ann Belter / Band: Sultan’s of Swing / Ceremony: Sconset Chapel / Reception: The Summer House

It’s been a long time coming!  I’m so thrilled to launch our new blog and hope you enjoy keeping up with the latest happenings here at the studio!  I’m looking forward to highlighting current projects, real weddings, photo shoots and more — there’s so much to talk about and there’s always something new in the works.  Thanks for visiting!